India voices deep concern over US military action in Venezuela

India on Sunday expressed “deep concern” over the United States’ military action in Venezuela, including the capture of President Nicolás Maduro, and called on all parties to resolve differences peacefully through dialogue to ensure stability in the region.

In its first official response to the developments, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said it was closely monitoring the evolving situation and reiterated India’s concern for the safety and well-being of the Venezuelan people.

“India reaffirms its support to the well-being and safety of the people of Venezuela. We call upon all concerned to address issues peacefully through dialogue, ensuring peace and stability in the region,” the MEA said in a statement.

The Indian embassy in Caracas is in touch with members of the Indian community and will continue to provide all possible assistance, the ministry added. India has also advised its citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Venezuela and urged Indians residing there to exercise extreme caution, restrict their movements and remain in contact with the embassy.

There are around 50 non-resident Indians and about 30 people of Indian origin currently in the country.

The reaction followed a dramatic escalation after US forces launched attacks on Caracas and detained Maduro and his wife. US President Donald Trump later said Washington would administer Venezuela until a political transition could be carried out. Maduro was subsequently flown to the United States, where he was indicted on drug trafficking and weapons-related charges.

The US action has drawn widespread international condemnation, particularly from Latin American countries. Venezuela declared a national emergency, denouncing what it described as an “extremely serious military aggression” and accusing Washington of violating its sovereignty and attacking its people.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said the US operation crossed “an unacceptable line”, warning that such actions undermine international law and multilateralism.

“Attacking countries in flagrant violation of international law is the first step towards a world of violence, chaos and instability,” he said.

China said it was “deeply shocked” by the use of force against a sovereign nation, accusing the US of hegemonic behaviour that threatens peace and security in Latin America and the Caribbean. Russia also condemned the operation as an act of armed aggression and called for restraint and dialogue to prevent further escalation.

France echoed similar concerns, with Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot stating that the military operation violated the principle of non-use of force under international law. He stressed that no lasting political solution could be imposed from outside and that only the Venezuelan people had the right to determine their future.

The Trump administration has accused Maduro, who has been in power since 2013, of links to drug cartels—allegations he has consistently denied, claiming the US is seeking to depose him to gain control over Venezuela’s vast oil reserves. Critics of the US action have also pointed to the country’s enormous oil wealth as a key factor behind Washington’s intervention.

As global reactions mount, India’s call for restraint and dialogue aligns with broader international concerns over the implications of the US action for regional stability and the international rules-based order.

With IANS inputs